Can a r22 system be converted to r134a? If you have a home or auto air conditioner
Air conditioning
Air conditioning (often referred to as A/C or AC) is the process of altering the properties of air (primarily temperature and humidity) to more comfortable conditions, typically with the aim of distributing the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a vehicle to improve …
Full Answer
Can you use R134a in a R22 system?
Using R134a in Systems Designed for R22. If you have a home or auto air conditioner designed to work with R22 refrigerant, and the system needs a recharge, a number of issues prevent the direct substitution of R134a. For one, the cooling capacity of R134a is only 60 percent that of R22, so the system condenser has to work overtime to produce ...
How do you convert R12 to R134a?
Steps To Convert R-12 to R-134a Take the vehicle to a repair shop licensed for A/C work that can evacuate the system of R-12 and recover it properly. Using an A/C flush kit, flush the evaporator and condenser to remove any remaining mineral oil in the system.
Can an R-22 HVAC system be converted to R-410A?
The manufacture and import of complete new HVAC systems using R-22 was banned in the U.S. in 2010, but parts for R-22 systems and the R-22 refrigerant itself remain available as of 2012 to HVAC contractors for repair work. Converting an R-22 HVAC system to R-410A is a major undertaking and is not a do-it-yourself project.
When did R134a stop being used in cars?
This fact led the European Union to ban R-134a from use in new motor vehicles, effective in 2011. If you have a home or auto air conditioner designed to work with R22 refrigerant and the system needs a recharge, a number of issues prevent the direct substitution of R134a.
Can R22 be replaced with R134a?
However, units made after 2010 can use R22 alternatives such as R410A, R134A, R407C, and R407A. These refrigerants cool just as effectively as R22 without the ozone depleting features, and they have an acceptable Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Can you replace R22 with another refrigerant?
If a system has R22 in it already you cannot use a replacement refrigerant to simply add to the R22. For one, R 22 is its own refrigerant whereas the replacement refrigerants are made up of several different kinds of refrigerants designed to mimic operating pressures/temperatures of R 22.
Can you use R134a in a home AC system?
R134 was specifically designed to replace R12 used in smaller air conditioning units, such as those used in vehicles. R134 is also used in home appliances, mobile refrigeration units and stationary commercial units, such as cold cases in grocery stores.
What is a suitable replacement for R22?
(North America). “Forane 427A is one of the most popular R-22 retrofits,” he said. “It has a GWP of 2024 and offers an approximately 3 percent capacity loss compared to R-22. It has the closest performance to R-22 in terms of capacity and efficiency when compared to other retrofits in the market.
Is R22 refrigerant still legal?
As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.
Should I replace my R22 air conditioner?
You don't need to replace your air conditioner just because it uses R22 Freon as its coolant. Manufacturers no longer produce R22 as part of an EPA-led phaseout. You can still use your system but likely have to replace it if there's a coolant leak.
Why R134a is not used in air conditioning?
R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause compressor seals to leak. Bottom line, R134a simply doesn't cool as well as R12. In addition, there was the lubricant issue. Because A/C compressors have moving parts, they require oil.
What is the difference between R22 and R134a?
R22 refrigerant belongs to a class of chemicals called hydrochlorofluorocarbons that have been phased out for new air conditioning and refrigeration equipment because of their ozone-depleting effects. R134a refrigerant is an alternative that contains no chlorine and hence no ozone depletion potential.
What happens if you put R134a in a R12 system?
R134a systems work at higher discharge-side pressures than R12 systems, which could lead to compressor seals leaks. Additionally, since R134a is composed of much smaller molecules, it has a greater chance of leaking from an R12 system.
Does Home Depot sell R22 refrigerant?
Wilmar - The Home Depot Pro Multifamily - Maintenance, Repair and Operation Supplies - R-22 Phaseout. Only EPA-certified technicians can purchase refrigerants. You must provide proof of an active certification prior to ordering any refrigerant cylinders.
How much does R22 Cost per lb?
R22 Freon costs $90 to $150 per pound installed or $13 to $21 per pound wholesale. R22 refrigerant is the old standard for residential air conditioners, which is now banned and no longer produced.
Why is R134A needed?
A system circulating R134a needs a drier, because of the propensity of the refrigerant to absorb water. R134a swells the rubber components in the refrigeration system and causes leaks.
What is R134A in refrigeration?
R134a swells the rubber components in the refrigeration system and causes leaks. R134a corrodes copper, so the system must include an additive to prevent it. R134a systems require special lubricating oils that are, on the whole, inferior to those used in an R22 system.
What is R22 refrigerant?
R22 refrigerant belongs to a class of chemicals called hydrochlorofluorocarbons that are being phased out because ...
What are the chemicals used in artificial refrigeration?
Early domestic air conditioners popularized by American scientist Willis Carrier and others used a number of dangerous chemicals as refrigerants, including ammonia, methyl chloride and sulfur dioxide. A class of inert chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was developed in the 1930s to replace ammonia, and they were praised for being completely safe and stable. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that their very stability allows them to float into the upper atmosphere, where ultraviolet sunlight breaks them down and releases ozone-depleting chlorine. CFCs were banned by an international treaty agreement known as the Montreal Protocol in 1987, and scientists have since developed alternatives.
Is R22 a CFC?
Like R12, which is the original ozone-depleting refrigerant, R22 is marketed under the brand name Freon, and it's one of the earliest CFC alternatives. Its chemical name is chlorodifluoromethane, and while it isn't technically one of the CFCs banned by the Montreal Protocol, it belongs to a closely related class known as hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFCs). These refrigerants also contain chlorine that can potentially find its way into the upper atmosphere. HCFCs like R22 are being phased out of production and will be all but illegal in 2020.
Is R134A a CFC?
R134a belongs to another class of CFC alternatives, called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), that don't contain chlorine. Its chemical name is tetrafluoroethane. It isn't the only CFC alternative on the market, and it isn't the best. HFCs may not be ozone depleting gases, but they contribute to global warming, and R134a has more global warming potential ...
I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
I did this purely as an experiment, NOT because I thought it would work and I definitely do NOT suggest that anyone try this with a system that they care about. I got a free 8000 BTU Kennmore window AC from the 1990s that I use as a dehumidifier.
Re: I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
A fridge tech mate of mine uses compressed air for pressure/leak testing,it's something I would not recommend.
Re: I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
OK to experiment,but in my opinion the system will soon fail because of the oil issue how long it will take not sure but it will fail, unless your lucky?
Re: I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
OK to experiment,but in my opinion the system will soon fail because of the oil issue how long it will take not sure but it will fail, unless your lucky?
Re: I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
If you are lucky. What do you have to lose. you got the unit free. You paid a lot less for 134a. let it run. I think it will last another 10 yrs lol. From my lips to gods ears
Re: I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
I am not sure what kind of oil the system has in it now. I was telling a friend about this test, and he said that the system likely uses alkylbenzene oil instead of mineral oil. How can I find out? Is there a sticker somewhere? I am not sure where I would find the sticker for the oil type, if it has one.
Re: I refilled an R22 window AC with R134a and this is what happened
Another interesting thing that I noticed is that the evaporator does not freeze up on cool days anymore since the conversion. The compressor does not seem to be wearing out or anything, it still sounds great and blows 38 degree air with a 75 degree ambient.
Why are R22 and R142b being phased out?
As you may know, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants like R22 and R142b in order to help protect the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
When will R22 be phased out?
When Will R22 Freon be Phased Out? January 1, 2020, is the last benchmark specifically related to R22 and R142b. There is one more date to remember concerning the EPA’s phase out of HCFC’s. A ban on the remaining production and import of all HCFC’s will go into effect on January 1, 2030.
Can an R22 be serviced?
An R22 system can only be serviced by an EPA-certified technician —that is, one who has EPA Section 608 certification to service equipment containing R22. The bottom line is that servicing an old R22 unit with existing Freon is likely to cost many hundreds if not thousands of dollars. 2.
Is R410A coolant safe?
Never mind the fact that a new unit that uses R410a as coolant will also be better for the environment , as R410a has an ozone depletion rating of zero. Better yet, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have given R410a a rating of A1 for safety, yet another consideration.
Is there a ban on R22?
Now, as of January 1, 2020, there’s a ban on the remaining production and import of R22 and R142b, with the servicing of R22 systems limited to recycled and stockpiled quantities of Freon.
Is it illegal to import R22 gas?
For decades R22 (Freon) was the industry standard for A/C refrigerant, but it’s now illegal to manufacture or import R22 (and R142b) gas into the United States. Moreover, the servicing of R22 systems is now limited to the use of recycled or stockpiled quantities of Freon.
What is the difference between R134A and R12?
R12 has threaded fittings (left) and R134a uses quick disconnect fittings (right). However, if you want to go the extra mile in preserving your car’s originality and value (and you have additional money to spend) there a plenty of reasons to avoid doing this conversion. Understand that R12 has its advantages.
Which is better R12 or R134A?
R12 can blow 6 to 7 degrees cooler than R134a and is 15% more efficient. R134a systems require larger condensers and higher operating pressures than R12 systems because R134a doesn’t have as high of a heat transfer rate as R12 (which has a heavier molecular size than R134a).
Is R134A a leak?
1. R134A is more hygroscopic than R12, so it is more prone to moisture absorption. This requires tighter seals and connections, as well as increased maintenance. Also, since R134a has a smaller molecular size, it is more prone to leaks than R12. 2.
Does PAG oil comply with R12 seals?
Some backyard mechanics or shady shops take short cuts and don’t replace all the seals during a conversion, for example. PAG oil does not comply with R12 seals, dramatically reducing the life of the seals and resulting in leaks.
Can a licensed shop service a R12?
That licensed shop needs to be equipped to service R12, and many aren’t. Add to the fact that R134a conversion kits are relatively inexpensive, and you can see why most people don’t hesitate to convert their cars. One could argue that fewer and fewer shops are capable of servicing R12, but that depends on where you look.
Does R12 blow colder?
As a result, a perfectly functioning R12 system will blow colder and reduce temperatures faster than a system that was converted to R134a. This is especially true in abnormally high ambient temperatures and/or high humidity.
How to convert AC to R134A?
There are two ways to convert the air conditioning of your vehicle to the R134A gas. One is the factory method, where you would need to replace the AC parts, and the other is to modify the existing components to use R134A. The second option may be cheaper, but it’s better to go for the first, because since your car is already getting old, ...
What is R134A?
The R134A as a replacement for R12. Soon the R12s were banned in many places. As a result, they were replaced by other refrigerant gases, one of which is R134A. Unlike R12, R134A contains hydrogen and fluorine molecules, which is why it is also called HFC and not CFC. The use of R134A prevented damage to the ozone layer.
What is R134A used for?
Today, R134A is commonly used in vehicle air conditioning systems , but it can also be used in refrigerators, freezers and other refrigeration equipment similar to R12. R134A is sometimes also used to cool overworked ...
How to replace R12 compressor?
The first step is first to make sure that the AC system is empty. Discharge and make sure to recycle it properly. Make sure your AC compressor is in good shape, otherwise replace it. Flush your current system entirely of R12 without leaving any traces of the R12 in it.
What to do if your compressor is not working?
If you suspect that your factory compressor is no longer working properly, you should buy a new compressor. However, if your compressor still has the capacity, you will need new parts such as hoses and switches that are compatible with R134A refrigerant.
What is the problem with R12?
The only problem with R12 was that it would decompose on contact with a flame or fire and become toxic by inhalation. People were advised to quickly switch off all stoves and flame sources in case of leakage and to open all windows so that all the toxic gas could spread in the atmosphere.
What is the chemical name for R12?
The technical or chemical name of R12 is dichlorodifluoromethane. CCI2F2 is its formula, which contains the chemicals that make it up. According to its technical data, the weight per molecule of R12 is about 121 with a boiling point of -21.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the difference between R-22 and R-410A?
These products have very different heat-transfer properties and use chemically incompatible lubricating oils. R-410A requires a polyester-based synthetic lubricant, while R-22 needs natural petroleum-based oil. What this means is that a system designed to use R-22 will fail quickly if filled with R-410A, and vice versa.
When was R-22 banned?
The manufacture and import of complete new HVAC systems using R-22 was banned in the U.S. in 2010, but parts for R-22 systems and the R-22 refrigerant itself remain available as of 2012 to HVAC contractors for repair work.
Can you make R-22 parts?
HVAC equipment producers can manufacture R-22 HVAC repair parts as long as they are sold “dry,” without the refrigerant. At some future point, though, system owners will find it more cost-effective to replace an old, breakdown-prone R-22 system with a new R-410A HVAC system.
Can you use R-22 for HVAC?
If you have a relatively recent R-22 HVAC system that is running fine, you don’t have to switch immediately. Under U.S. regulations, chemical companies can continue to make R-22 for service needs until 2020, and may offer R-22 reclaimed from equipment until 2030. HVAC equipment producers can manufacture R-22 HVAC repair parts as long as they are sold “dry,” without the refrigerant. At some future point, though, system owners will find it more cost-effective to replace an old, breakdown-prone R-22 system with a new R-410A HVAC system.
Can you convert a R-22 to a 410A?
Converting an R-22 system to R-410A is like converting a diesel engine to run on gasoline; it can’t be done without making major changes to the entire system. In the case of HVAC systems, conversion requires replacing the R-22 compressor, evaporator and condenser with units designed to run with R-410A. Sometimes the copper lines connecting the components also must be replaced, but it may be possible to clean, flush and dry the lines if they can handle the higher pressures of R-410A.
Can you flush copper lines?
Sometimes the copper lines connecting the components also must be replaced, but it may be possible to clean , flush and dry the lines if they can handle the higher pressures of R-410A.
Who invented R-12 refrigerant?
What was needed was something that was neither and was safe to handle, and in the early 30s GM's chief engineer Charles Kettering developed dichlorodifluoromethane, also known as R-12. At the time, Frigidaire was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, and Kettering's team also took the lead on developing R-12 refrigerant.
What refrigerant was used in the 60s?
By the '60s and '70s, automotive air conditioning was quickly going from being a luxury to a must-have option, especially on many full-size and luxury cars. R-12 was the standard refrigerant for automotive A/C systems for many, many years. It was good for its designed purpose; R-12 was a very effective refrigerant and was even used as ...